More Premieres Are Cancelled For ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ In Response To The Colorado Shooting

On Friday we learned that Warner Bros. decided to cancel the Paris premiere of The Dark Knight Rises, in the wake of the massacre in Aurora, Colorado. Many of us agreed that this was the right thing to do, considering the events, the victims, and the likelihood of a difficult red carpet experience for the cast and crew of the film. Now we have learned that Warner Bros. has cancelled two more premiere events, for the same reason. Are they still doing the right thing? Details inside.
The HuffPost has the report:

Warner Bros. Pictures says it has canceled appearances by the cast and filmmakers of the movie “The Dark Knight Rises” in Mexico and Japan after a shooter killed 12 people and injured at least 50 Friday in a Colorado theater during a midnight premiere of the newest Batman movie.

The studio said it would continue with screenings for special guests and promotion winners so as not to disappoint fans.

In Finland, public broadcaster YLE television said movie distributor FS-Film’s entire Internet campaign for “The Dark Knight Rises” has temporarily been shut down and that TV spots have been withdrawn. It was not clear Saturday how long the suspension would last, but it may only be this weekend.

I thought that it was the right move to cancel the Paris premiere and I certainly don’t take issue with further cancellations. What happened was bigger than I can even understand right now; I know from personal experience that when a major loss has occurred you kind of want the whole world to stop, if only for a moment. And perhaps this is one way of creating that energy; as opposed to celebrating at a big fancy premiere.

However, some have suggested that further cancellations only work to celebrate (in a manner of speaking) the act of violence and the shooter himself. One reader on Huffpost wrote the following comment, and I wonder if there is any truth to it:

We are glorifying the perpetrator of this crime by canceling the special events associated with the movie. Out of fear we are giving the actions of one unstable individual more power. Not to mention the enormous amount of press and yet not one American politician is willing discuss considering a ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004 under President Bush’s administration.”

This is such a difficult conversation to have, but I wonder if any of you agree with the reader. Do we give more power to the shooter in this way? Another headline suggested that our focus be entirely on the victims, not the shooter. But is there a way to really do that? Even as our thoughts are with the victims, it’s difficult to ignore the person deemed responsible for these events.

Let the movie speak for itself.No premeires, no fancy dresses.This isnt a time to celebrate but it is also not a time to be afraid. I felt a bit uneasy going to see it yesterday and seeing it with the new ‘Exits are here and here’ was so strange.But I saw it, and loved it. Even through the violence of the movie the message is clear, good always triumphs over evil.

Janaegal

If I were part of the cast that was to be there, I would feel incredibly insensitive posing on a red carpet, answering questions about who I’m wearing, my love life, etc when something horrific had happened while fans were watching the ery movie I’m there to promote. While I don’t think it’s a needed move, I think it’s a respectful one. Bottom line is people will still see the film( I plan on going today) and a canceled premiere won’t change that.

Ariel

yes, i do believe people should stop talking about that guy and in a crazy way making him famous and inspiring other crazy people. it’s a circle, crazy guy kills people, press make him famous, people talk about him, they make movies, books,then another crazy guy wants that fame, goes and kills others, people talk about him … it really needs to stop!!! please society stop

Vicky

The cast of the movie agrees with the cancellations 100%. Enough said. It’s a respect thing, not a fear thing.

emily

I’ve heard a genius way to deal with the shooter – instead of calling him by name or the “Aurora Shooter” – just call him Tiddlywinks, Snuggles, BooBoo Bear or a million other embarrassing names. So every time there is a report about the person, he is simply called “Tiddlywinks” – there is no more power given to his name. Instead of his name evoking fear or pain, it will invoke ridiculousness and take away some of the power we have already given him (and hopefully dissuade anyone inspired by him.) It’s small, I know, but I agree with @Ariel in that we give these individuals too much power by focusing on them and it inspires copycats.